Law enforcement in Mali

Law enforcement in Mali is the responsibility of the National Police Force (Police Nationale du Mali), which is subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Security and Civil Protection.[1][2] The National Police Force shares responsibility for internal security with the Gendarmerie, a paramilitary organization; the police are responsible exclusively for urban areas, while the Gendarmerie's primary responsibility is for rural areas, but may also reinforce the police when needed.[1][2] According to The Wall Street Journal, each organization has approximately 5000 personnel,[3] while Interpol gives a figure of over 7000 for the police.[4]

In October 2015, Moussa Ag Infahi replaced Hamidou Kansaye as Director General of the National Police, while Colonel-Major Satigui Dit Moro Sidibé became the new Director General of the Gendarmerie, succeeding Colonel-Major Mody Bérété.[5] Local police districts are headed by commissioners, who report to regional directors at national police headquarters.[2]